Resource Sep 16, 2020

Sustaining Indiana Beaches

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The scenic beaches of Indiana Dunes are disappearing. In order to sustain this critical asset to Indiana’s economy and quality of life, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must conduct a federal damage mitigation feasibility study.

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The beaches of Indiana Dunes are eroding into Lake Michigan.

  camera icon © Susan Kirt

The scenic beaches of Indiana Dunes National and State Parks draw more than 3.6 million people from around the world to Indiana—they are the most visited place in the state and the seventh most visited national park area in the nation. The beaches serve as the cornerstone of a tourism economy that generates millions of dollars in economic impacts, supports thousands of jobs, and provide millions of dollars in revenue to state and local governments.

Access to the dunes and Lake Michigan are key to residents’ quality of life and are factors in attracting business and talent to the state.

However, Indiana’s beaches are eroding. Without a solution in place, these beaches will continue to erode, putting Indiana’s most visited place at risk.

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Activating this link will open a larger version of the image in the same window for a more detailed viewing.
Activating this link will open a larger version of the image in the same window for a more detailed viewing.
Activating this link will open a larger version of the image in the same window for a more detailed viewing.
Activating this link will open a larger version of the image in the same window for a more detailed viewing.
Activating this link will open a larger version of the image in the same window for a more detailed viewing.

In order to sustain this critical asset to Indiana’s economy and quality of life, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must conduct a federal damage mitigation feasibility study.

This required feasibility study, which will identify possible long-term solutions, must have a local match. Two local communities have already pledged funds towards the match.

While long-term solutions are developed through the study, there is a need to pursue short-term sand nourishment for the most affected sites.

With a state of Indiana funding appropriation of $1 million, the state can complete the local match for the study and support short-term beach nourishment.

Climate Impact

Recreation and Visitation

Warming temperatures, severe weather patterns and changes in wildlife behavior could harm valuable tourism revenue at some parks while creating dramatic overcrowding at others

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